My Dad Said I Could

Authority and Submission

The other day, I was browsing a job listing site, and noticed an area for applicants to create a profile, uploading skills, credentials, certificates, and other such things. I realized that, though I don't have many certifications, I have a wealth of experience because of choosing to learn and do things on my own time.

While I do have a degree in a particular field, which has been helpful to me in various forms of work, for the first time, I understood and had an appreciation for that dubious award known as an honorary degree. A person could devote themselves to a field of study on their own terms, out of a passion for that topic, and produce a massive body of helpful and insightful work about it, without the permission, approval, or accreditation of a university, institution, or entity. Such dedication may come to the attention of an official institution, which might then choose to reward the work by bestowing a title on the diligent laborer, in effect, saying, "Had you been here, had we but known, this is what we would have given you."

But the reality is that the acceptance of or inclusion by an official institution doesn't legitimize what was already established about you; it doesn't make you what you already were. It simply puts a recognizable stamp of worldly approval and acceptance on something that was already real, so that those who only value the world's system will open doors for you without question.

In Matthew 21:23, after Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey, violently clears out the temple, and begins teaching and healing all who will receive from Him, the pharisees question Jesus, saying, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"

Jesus didn't study with any of them or go through the procedures they did to become a socially respectable teacher of the word of God. He was the Living Word of God. "Through Him, all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3, NIV). Jesus' authority came from His Father; it was inherent. No man or worldly system could give Jesus His heavenly birthright or commission, because He created man by His authority from God. Seeking approval from creation instead of Creator would be a ludicrous step backward, especially when that creation lacked a full understanding of the circumstances, and the Spirit by which Jesus operates.

Rather than answer directly, Jesus replies: "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men" (Matthew 21:24-25)?

"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'If we say, "From heaven," He will say to us, "Why then did you not believe him?"  But if we say, "From men," we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.' So they answered Jesus and said, 'We do not know.' And He said to them, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things'" (Matthew 21:25-27).

If the pharisees were too blinded by pride to recognize God's Holy Spirit operating in the forerunner of the Messiah, how could they possibly acknowledge that ultimate authority in Jesus Himself? Because they could not be faithful in the little things, Jesus was not about to allow them to poorly steward much by telling them that He did all things by God's authority.

Another biblical example of someone moving in their authority and gifts regardless of outer circumstances is Joseph. No matter where he was stationed, he exercised his gifts of leadership, interpretation, and stewardship, whether as a house slave, a prisoner, or the second-in-command to Pharaoh. The titles and limitations set on Joseph by others and by his circumstances did not alter his integrity or what he was gifted to do, because he did everything as unto the Lord, and not unto men. Because of his faithfulness to God, the Lord opened doors for him which no man could shut.

This is not a diatribe against education, degrees, licenses, certifications, or any other thing you work hard to earn which is necessary for you to effectively complete your assignments while living in a fallen world, in which proof is understandably required for trust. I would like to know that my doctor went to medical school! My point is that if God has called and commissioned you to do something, He has the final say over it. By His authority, to which you are submitted, and by the guidance of His Holy Spirit, you do what He has called you to do.

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks as the oracles of God, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Notice that the abilities and gifts are supplied by God, and all things are subject to Jesus. The original disciples were uneducated men operating mightily by the power of the Holy Spirit in their giftings because they were submitted to God.

Jesus' authority came from His complete submission to the Father. Don't wait for a man-made label to give you permission to do what you are called to do. Do all that you are created to do while placing yourself under the authority of your Heavenly Father, and He will open doors for you which no man can shut.